How Community Organizing Led to the First Dog Park East of the Anacostia
When Darren Thompson moved back to his hometown of Washington DC after 3 years in New Orleans, he found himself confronted by a surprising challenge: there was nowhere in the neighborhood suitable for his bull-mastiff, Barrow, to exercise and play with other dogs. Of the 19 dog parks in the city, none existed east of the Anacostia River. Thompson had to drive Barrow out of the District, eventually settling into a routine at a dog park in Shirlington. This daily commute became a burden, highlighting the challenge of living in an area lacking in pet amenities.
The turning point came when a neighbor posted on Nextdoor about collecting signatures to open a dog park in Ward 7. Thompson seized the opportunity, joining a small group of neighbors to lament the absence of local outlets for their dogs and to discuss potential sites for a new park. Thus, the East River Dog Park Group was born.
Map of DC dog parks shows the new Texas Avenue Dog Park, the first on the East side of the Anacostia River. Source: DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
The group soon encountered resistance. Many neighbors, wary of the rapid gentrification in the area, voiced concerns about who the dog park would serve. The East River Dog Park Group listened to these worries, realizing that their mission was about more than just a place for dogs—it was about strengthening their community.“We wanted to be part of the community,” said Thompson. “We know what people think of when they hear a dog park is coming, but we wanted to show how it can be a benefit for every resident, new and old.”
To build trust and show their commitment, the group canvassed door-to-door to share their motivations and goals. They brought coffee to teachers at Plummer Elementary, pooled money to host neighborhood film screenings, and presented their plans at civic associations and Advisory Neighborhood Commissions. Their dedication to integrate the dog park into the fabric of the community paid off, with the neighbors and then the DC government buying in on the idea.
When the DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) began planning what the park could look like, it seemed progress was being made. However, delays soon hit. In response, the community rallied together. Then ANC Commissioner Eboni-Rose Thompson and her successor, Commissioner Terrance Hunter, elevated the dog park issue before the DC government. Councilmember Christina Henderson took action, ensuring funds were allocated in the DC budget.
We often talk about what the lack of amenities means for the growth and stability of neighborhoods, and this was an opportunity to directly do something about that in Ward 7. When Darren first looped me on the emails regarding their campaign for a dog park east of the Anacostia River, it blew my mind that there wasn’t already one there, especially since the city had invested so much in dog parks in other parts of the city. This seemed like a layup to me in terms of the District living out its values around equitable access to recreational amenities. As a dog mom myself, I was happy to secure the additional funding to keep it on track and I’m happy to see the Texas Ave Dog Park being enjoyed by residents in that community and their fur babies.
Christina HendersonDC Councilmember - At Large
On May 10, 2024, Mayor Bowser stood with Darren Thompson and Councilmember Henderson to cut the ribbon for the Texas Ave Dog Park. The opening marked the 20th park in the District and the first east of the Anacostia River. Thompson hopes the Texas Ave story will inspire other communities to organize and integrate residents' priorities. “I want to get people to disassociate dog parks with gentrification,” he said. “If you give people a dog park, they will talk. If they talk, they will change their community.”
Thompson points out there are still no veterinary clinics or pet stores in Wards 7 or 8. Yet, the dog park stands as a symbol: it is the story of neighbors united to resist gentrification and foster a stronger sense of place together.